Vented Seat Concerns

sinbad4 · 03-25-2018, 09:47 PM

Last Thursday, Mar 22, I placed order for new M40i w/ Vented Seat option. After reading threads extensively, I have several concerns.

Can anyone (preferably a number of you) with M40i's confirm the following?

With "Vented Seat" option:

Seats are harder, less comfortable.
Seats do not allow same head adjustments of non-vented seats. (I don't see button on side in some pics)
Seats lose some bolster adjustment. (I am pretty sure this one is true)

I live in MN and love the idea of vented seats.. but if these things are all true, then I hope I have time to cancel the option.

Big thanks

papajohn · 03-26-2018, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinbad4

Last Thursday, Mar 22, I placed order for new M40i w/ Vented Seat option. After reading threads extensively, I have several concerns.

Can anyone (preferably a number of you) with M40i's confirm the following?

With "Vented Seat" option:

[*]Seats are harder, less comfortable.

CONFIRMED. I was given a loaner X3 with the standard seats so I got to compare side by side (after I purchased unfortunately) and it's noticeablly less comfortable with vented. Not only are the side bolsters minimal with vented, the overall cushionyness is less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinbad4

[*]Seats do not allow same head adjustments of non-vented seats. (I don't see button on side in some pics)

I don't think this is true. I can adjust headrest height and adjust it front to back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinbad4

[*]Seats lose some bolster adjustment. (I am pretty sure this one is true)

I don't believe this is true. Neither seat option has automatic bolster adjustment I don't believe. Which is strange because the X4's do. Someone without vented seats should chime in to confirm this one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinbad4

I live in MN and love the idea of vented seats.. but if these things are all true, then I hope I have time to cancel the option.

Big thanks

Cancel it! I live in Texas and the vented seats seemed like a big deal. I regret it now based on the comfort. May be singing a different tune this summer when it's 100+ F.

nxa · 03-26-2018, 04:19 AM

Re Bolster adjustment...

Quote:

Originally Posted by papajohn

I don't believe this is true. Neither seat option has automatic bolster adjustment I don't believe. Which is strange because the X4's do. Someone without vented seats should chime in to confirm this one.

Ventilated seats do not have bolster adjustment (manual or electric) but the Sports seats do *IF* you have the right options, the Comfort pack, in Australia at least. That's the big thing for many as the ventilated seats are reportedly fairly flat and you feel like sliding off when cornering.

Bottom line: adjustable bolsters possible on normal sport seats, not possible on ventilated.

Max Well · 03-26-2018, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinbad4

Last Thursday, Mar 22, I placed order for new M40i w/ Vented Seat option. After reading threads extensively, I have several concerns. Can anyone (preferably a number of you) with M40i's confirm the following? With "Vented Seat" option:

Seats are harder, less comfortable.
Seats do not allow same head adjustments of non-vented seats. (I don't see button on side in some pics)
Seats lose some bolster adjustment. (I am pretty sure this one is true)

I live in MN and love the idea of vented seats.. but if these things are all true, then I hope I have time to cancel the option. Big thanks

Personal choice, sinbad4 - we really like our ventilated seats (much better for our needs than the MSport seats we have in our 2015 LCI X3 35i), and we'll be ordering the same for our next X3 M40i this Summer. The ability for us to finally have a dry backside, regardless of high ambient Heat Indices, far outweighs any padding or bolstering differences, at least for us.

Seats have full headrest adjustment capability - see attached photos.

sinbad4 · 03-26-2018, 06:52 AM

Thx for info, @papajohn, @natd, @[Max Well], I'm trying to cancel.

Appreciate the photos of head rest.

J-sun · 03-26-2018, 09:12 PM

So for those that have tried the ventilated seats and feel they are less comfortable than the non-ventilated, is it the padding/cushioning or the bolstering that you dislike?

tenman · 03-26-2018, 09:29 PM

My mom has the vented seats in her x3. Pretty comfortable to me (I'm 6'), the seats are still soft and nice to sit in. The only thing is that bolsters are not as narrow as sport seats.

BobBass · 03-26-2018, 09:35 PM

I was totally freaked on this question. I've never had ventilated seats before and wanted to get them so much that I went with a second choice in color. And, I was concerned with seat comfort, too.

Suffice it to say that these seats are just fine. We haven't taken any really long trips in them, but we like them. I can't compare them to the non-vented seats because it's been too long since I sat in them.

greg2step · 03-27-2018, 12:00 AM

I ended up cutting vented seats, rear seat heater, and rear shades (I rarely have more than 1 passenger). Used the money for Adaptive-M suspension instead, thanks to a few threads here.

J-sun · 03-27-2018, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenman

My mom has the vented seats in her x3. Pretty comfortable to me (I'm 6'), the seats are still soft and nice to sit in. The only thing is that bolsters are not as narrow as sport seats.

I'm mostly concerned about reduced padding (if any). I wish the bolstering was the same as the non-vented, but most of my driving experience will be unaffected by the reduced bolstering. I'm more concerned with a cool, cushy backside.

Can anyone comment specifically on the level of cushioning between the two?

todd hollander · 03-27-2018, 12:40 PM

we sat in both and we really liked the vented seats, ordered them.........

No1Cares · 03-27-2018, 12:53 PM

Didn’t notice a difference on both my drives with and without the ventilated. I wanted ventilated.

tenman · 03-27-2018, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-sun

I'm mostly concerned about reduced padding (if any). I wish the bolstering was the same as the non-vented, but most of my driving experience will be unaffected by the reduced bolstering. I'm more concerned with a cool, cushy backside.

Can anyone comment specifically on the level of cushioning between the two?

The backside has plenty of cushion. I think even more than non-vented. Go to your local dealership and try it out.

J-sun · 03-27-2018, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenman

The backside has plenty of cushion. I think even more than non-vented. Go to your local dealership and try it out.

No ventilated to try on the dealer's lot. CA says that both adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support are eliminated with the ventilated seats. I thought only the adjustable side bolsters were eliminated.

dean285 · 03-27-2018, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-sun

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenman

The backside has plenty of cushion. I think even more than non-vented. Go to your local dealership and try it out.

No ventilated to try on the dealer's lot. CA says that both adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support are eliminated with the ventilated seats. I thought only the adjustable side bolsters were eliminated.

I've got ventilated seats and they have electrically adjustable lumbar support

cvee · 03-27-2018, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dean285

I've got ventilated seats and they have electrically adjustable lumbar support

I think the side bolsters are missing with ventilated seats.

Slartibartfast · 03-27-2018, 08:33 PM

Our dealer had nothing but ventilated seats for a while. I am not small, but I found the bolstering on the seat bottom to be limited and pretty wide. Probably fine if one were on the larger side, but I found I was siding about. The non-vented sport seats are not nearly as much of a narrow hug as in ht '06 M roadster, but much more comfortable and stable than the vented model. Cheers!

No1Cares · 03-28-2018, 07:34 AM

adding to my previous post. I DO agree with others that it is not as tight a "hug" due to the lack of adjustable side bolsters in the ventilated seats. if you tend to take very spirited drives often, your vehicle in sport mode will have you moving side to side within your seat more than with the adjustable bolstering...

I'm a pretty tame driver 90% of the time, but the other 10% I do notice there is noticeably less support for tight cornering...

hope this helps!

Slalom · 03-28-2018, 09:17 AM

I was leaning to the ventilated seats, but on seeing them on an early production model I asked my CA about the bolsters. That and the availability of the individual leather in saddle brown were major influences.

Generally BMW strikes a good balance - better than say Alfa Romeo. My E92 M3 was good (obviously not at its tightest position). The X3 seat is a bit wider and the bolsters do not stick out as much. The latter may help to preserve the leather.

comora99 · 03-28-2018, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-sun

So for those that have tried the ventilated seats and feel they are less comfortable than the non-ventilated, is it the padding/cushioning or the bolstering that you dislike?

Both... seats were too hard and lack of bolstering leaves you sliding in your seat when going around on/off ramps

edcrane · 03-29-2018, 12:29 PM

I didn't find the ventilated seats super uncomfortable myself, though I only spent 15-20 minutes or so over two test drives sitting in them. The side bolster situation was a problem for me, though, as we have a lot of 270 degree on ramps in my parts. Even when you're not driving spiritedly, you can find yourself sliding around in the ventilated seats when those types of on ramps are a routine part of driving.

Tony · 03-29-2018, 01:52 PM

Bolstering Schmolstering, this this is an SUV, seat bolsters are sufficient with either seat imo. If you are driving the thing on the road to where you notice the seat bolstering not being sufficient, then you are too large for the seat, or you are demolishing the speed limits by a substantial amount. I have the ventilated seats, I went back and forth deciding weather or not if I should be remorseful. After driving around fast turns the bolstering is good enough for me. The seat area is too narrow and that applies to both seats.

03-25-2018, 09:47 PM	#1
sinbad4 Captain 783 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	Vented Seat Concerns Last Thursday, Mar 22, I placed order for new M40i w/ Vented Seat option. After reading threads extensively, I have several concerns. Can anyone (preferably a number of you) with M40i's confirm the following? With "Vented Seat" option: Seats are harder, less comfortable. Seats do not allow same head adjustments of non-vented seats. (I don't see button on side in some pics) Seats lose some bolster adjustment. (I am pretty sure this one is true) I live in MN and love the idea of vented seats.. but if these things are all true, then I hope I have time to cancel the option. Big thanks
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03-26-2018, 06:52 AM	#5
sinbad4 Captain 783 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00]	Thx for info, @papajohn, @natd, @[Max Well], I'm trying to cancel. Appreciate the photos of head rest.
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03-26-2018, 09:12 PM	#6
J-sun Enlisted Member 17 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: MO iTrader: (0)	So for those that have tried the ventilated seats and feel they are less comfortable than the non-ventilated, is it the padding/cushioning or the bolstering that you dislike?
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03-26-2018, 09:29 PM	#7
tenman Second Lieutenant 88 Rep 229 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (2)	My mom has the vented seats in her x3. Pretty comfortable to me (I'm 6'), the seats are still soft and nice to sit in. The only thing is that bolsters are not as narrow as sport seats.
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03-26-2018, 09:35 PM	#8
BobBass Enlisted Member 11 Rep 41 Posts Drives: '18 30i Phytonic Blue LOADED Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Exton, PA iTrader: (0)	I was totally freaked on this question. I've never had ventilated seats before and wanted to get them so much that I went with a second choice in color. And, I was concerned with seat comfort, too. Suffice it to say that these seats are just fine. We haven't taken any really long trips in them, but we like them. I can't compare them to the non-vented seats because it's been too long since I sat in them.
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03-27-2018, 12:00 AM	#9
greg2step X3 Owner/Driver 212 Rep 785 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X3 M40i (G01) [0.00]	I ended up cutting vented seats, rear seat heater, and rear shades (I rarely have more than 1 passenger). Used the money for Adaptive-M suspension instead, thanks to a few threads here. __________________ 2018 X3 M40i G01 \| Phytonic Blue \| Mocha \| Premium+Exec \| Driver Assist \| Adaptive M Suspension 2011 X3 XDrive35i F25 l Deep Sea Blue l Mojave Leather l Sport, DHP, Premium, Nav/Technology, Cold Weather, Convenience [traded in] 2008 328XI E91 Sportwagon l Sparkling Graphite [traded in]
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03-27-2018, 12:40 PM	#11
todd hollander Second Lieutenant 97 Rep 284 Posts Drives: X3 30i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Emmaus, PA iTrader: (0)	we sat in both and we really liked the vented seats, ordered them.........
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03-27-2018, 12:53 PM	#12
No1Cares Lieutenant 435 Rep 570 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Didn’t notice a difference on both my drives with and without the ventilated. I wanted ventilated.
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03-27-2018, 08:33 PM	#17
Slartibartfast New Member 5 Rep 9 Posts Drives: '06 M Roadster Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: SoDak iTrader: (0)	Our dealer had nothing but ventilated seats for a while. I am not small, but I found the bolstering on the seat bottom to be limited and pretty wide. Probably fine if one were on the larger side, but I found I was siding about. The non-vented sport seats are not nearly as much of a narrow hug as in ht '06 M roadster, but much more comfortable and stable than the vented model. Cheers!
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03-28-2018, 07:34 AM	#18
No1Cares Lieutenant 435 Rep 570 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	adding to my previous post. I DO agree with others that it is not as tight a "hug" due to the lack of adjustable side bolsters in the ventilated seats. if you tend to take very spirited drives often, your vehicle in sport mode will have you moving side to side within your seat more than with the adjustable bolstering... I'm a pretty tame driver 90% of the time, but the other 10% I do notice there is noticeably less support for tight cornering... hope this helps!
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03-28-2018, 09:17 AM	#19
Slalom Major 509 Rep 1,345 Posts Drives: 04 Z4, 18 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa and Collelongo (AQ) Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 Z4 [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [10.00]	I was leaning to the ventilated seats, but on seeing them on an early production model I asked my CA about the bolsters. That and the availability of the individual leather in saddle brown were major influences. Generally BMW strikes a good balance - better than say Alfa Romeo. My E92 M3 was good (obviously not at its tightest position). The X3 seat is a bit wider and the bolsters do not stick out as much. The latter may help to preserve the leather.
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03-29-2018, 12:29 PM	#21
edcrane Second Lieutenant 102 Rep 200 Posts Drives: M235i, X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I didn't find the ventilated seats super uncomfortable myself, though I only spent 15-20 minutes or so over two test drives sitting in them. The side bolster situation was a problem for me, though, as we have a lot of 270 degree on ramps in my parts. Even when you're not driving spiritedly, you can find yourself sliding around in the ventilated seats when those types of on ramps are a routine part of driving.
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03-29-2018, 01:52 PM	#22
Tony Second Lieutenant 49 Rep 286 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rockland County iTrader: (0)	Bolstering Schmolstering, this this is an SUV, seat bolsters are sufficient with either seat imo. If you are driving the thing on the road to where you notice the seat bolstering not being sufficient, then you are too large for the seat, or you are demolishing the speed limits by a substantial amount. I have the ventilated seats, I went back and forth deciding weather or not if I should be remorseful. After driving around fast turns the bolstering is good enough for me. The seat area is too narrow and that applies to both seats.
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